The redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized species of diving
duck. The scientific name is derived from the Greek aithuia, an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors including
Hesychius and
Aristotle, and Latin americana, 'of America'. It belongs to the genus Aythya, together with eleven other described species. The redhead and the
common pochard form a sister group which together is sister to the
canvasback. This redhead was photographed in
Central Park, New York.Photograph credit:
Rhododendrites